Coastal Communities Threatened by Redfish Quota Allocation: Wakeham

For Immediate Release

(June 6, 2024, St. John’s, N.L.) – Progressive Conservative Leader Tony Wakeham (MHA, Stephenville – Port au Port) is urgently calling on the Furey Liberals to immediately press their federal counterparts in Ottawa, the Trudeau Liberals, to take decisive action to protect the long-term economic sustainability of our coastal communities. This pressing need follows the recent decision on the redfish quota allocation in the Gulf of St. Lawrence, which has raised significant concerns for the future of the province's inshore fishing industry.

The recent redfish quota decision has allocated a mere 15 percent of the total allowable catch of 60,000 tonnes to inshore vessels less than 65 feet in length, while nearly 60 percent has been allocated to offshore fleets.

"It is critical that our coastal communities remain viable," said Wakeham. "This viability depends on a strong, community-driven fishery that supports coastal communities across the province. Our fishery could easily be a multi-billion-dollar industry with the proper government support."

Wakeham is deeply concerned that this decision leaves a fleet of boats and numerous coastal communities across the province questioning their future in an industry already struggling to survive.

"Newfoundland and Labrador lacks a strong voice advocating for the fishing industry in Ottawa," explained Wakeham. "After nine years, we're on our sixth Minister of Fisheries and Oceans. It's time for a government that stands with the workers in coastal communities across the province. When fleets, crews, and plant workers thrive, communities thrive. We must all do our part to ensure the stability of these communities' economies for years by growing our fishing sector. Coastal communities deserve better."

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